The Church of Saint Sophia in Ohrid is one of the most important monuments of North Macedonia, housing architecture and art from the Middle Ages.
The Cathedral of St. Sophia in Ohrid, perhaps originally built in the 10th century by Boris II, seems to have been rebuilt as a domed basilica and redecorated in the 11th century by the archbishop Leo of Ohrid it was taken over during the Ottoman rule, many of the frescoes were damaged or white-washed.
Only five churches in Europe named for St Sophia – Holy wisdom.
A drive alongside the lake towards the Albanian border brought us to the beautiful setting of the church and monastery of St. Naum (9th century). He was among the founders of the Pliska Literary School. Afterwards Naum worked at the Ohrid Literary School. He was among the first saints declared by the Bulgarian Orthodox Church after its foundation in the 9th century. He dedicated the church to the Archangel.
Also at this beautiful spot is a river with springs bubbling that provide the crystal clear water for Lake Ohrid.
East of Lake Ohrid is a limestone mountain range and on the other side a lake that is 150 meters higher in elevation to Ohrid. The water filters through the limestone and springs up in the river flowing into Lake Ohrid.
We took a row boat ride on these beautiful, clear waters. No swimming or engines are permitted on the river.
The stone work and frescoes are amazing. When you said you were row-boating along the river I thought you two were rowing. Glad you didn’t have all that work to do. The countryside is gorgous. Wonderful colors….